Scudder's Pond Preserve

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At the northwesterly edge of Lake
Whatcom, shore land plants including Cattails, Sedge, and Lily Pads cover a
region of ponds and wetlands. This area, known as Scudder's Pond, attracts a
diversity of migratory and breeding birds, mammals and aquatic wildlife. For
almost 30 years the two acre tract has been held as a nature preserve by the
North Cascades Audubon Society, but in December of 2014, it was generously
donated to the City of Bellingham to be included in the City's ongoing
program to protect the waters and habitat of the Lake Whatcom Watershed.

It is rather unusual that a nature preserve is so intimately located in the
heart of an urban area. In this case, Scudder's Pond is adjacent to Whatcom
Falls Park, just south of Alabama Street and west of Electric Avenue and
Lake Whatcom, making the preserve an easily accessible retreat for all.
Additionally it provides another link to the City's existing assembly of
protected areas affecting the watershed.

Widely recognized as a local wildlife sanctuary, Scudder's Pond is an
official stop on the Great Washington State Birding Trail. On a quiet walk
along established nature trails, it is possible to observe a variety of
plants and animals that change with the seasons. They can range from
migratory waterfowl, including, Teal, Mallard ducks, swans, Red-winged
Blackbirds, Buffleheads, Black-crowned Night-Herons and Great Blue Herons;
to birds of prey, and wary wetland creatures such as beaver, raccoon or
muskrat.

Now, with compliments to the previous owners, the O.C. Scudder family, and
subsequently the Audubon Society, the intent to maintain this sensitive area
as a wildlife preserve, has been passed on to the City of Bellingham. The
nature preserve, its special inhabitants and the community, including Lake
Whatcom, will benefit from permanent and legislated protection.

Total Acres

2 acres

Photos

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